In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of resolving the “Temporary failure in name resolution” error that occurs when SSHing with VPN on Ubuntu WSL. This error typically arises when the SSH command cannot resolve the hostname of the lab computer. This issue can be attributed to changes in the network configuration, particularly when using a VPN or upgrading from WSL1 to WSL2.
To fix the "Temporary failure in name resolution" error when SSHing with VPN on Ubuntu WSL, you can try switching to WSL1 or checking the DNS configuration.
Understanding the Problem
In the context of WSL2, it uses a separate virtual network from the Windows network. This can cause issues when VPN connections disable or isolate the WSL2 network. Additionally, VPN settings may have been altered to restrict access to local network resources.
Switching to WSL1
A recommended solution to this problem is to use WSL1, which shares the same network infrastructure with Windows. This can be done by either setting up a new WSL1 instance or converting an existing WSL2 instance to WSL1.
To convert a WSL2 instance to WSL1, use the following command:
wsl --set-version <distribution> 1In this command, <distribution> should be replaced with the name of your Linux distribution. The --set-version parameter instructs WSL to change the version of the specified distribution.
Checking DNS Configuration
If the issue persists even without using the VPN, it might be worthwhile to investigate the DNS configuration to ensure proper resolution of the hostname.
You can check the current DNS settings with the following command:
cat /etc/resolv.confThis command displays the content of the resolv.conf file, which contains DNS configuration details.
If the DNS settings are incorrect, you can manually edit the resolv.conf file using a text editor such as nano:
sudo nano /etc/resolv.confRemember to replace the existing nameserver IP with the correct one.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the “Temporary failure in name resolution” error when SSHing with VPN on Ubuntu WSL can be resolved by switching to WSL1 or checking the DNS configuration. Remember to always double-check your network settings and ensure your VPN settings do not restrict access to local network resources.
For more information on WSL and its usage, you can visit the official Microsoft WSL documentation.
Remember, the key to resolving any system error lies in understanding the underlying cause and systematically addressing it. Happy troubleshooting!
To switch from WSL2 to WSL1, you can use the command wsl --set-version <distribution> 1, where <distribution> should be replaced with the name of your Linux distribution.
You can check your current DNS configuration by using the command cat /etc/resolv.conf. This command will display the content of the resolv.conf file, which contains DNS configuration details.
You can manually edit the resolv.conf file using a text editor such as nano by using the command sudo nano /etc/resolv.conf. Make sure to replace the existing nameserver IP with the correct one.
Switching to WSL1 will only affect the specific WSL distribution that you choose to convert. Your other WSL distributions will remain unaffected.
If the issue persists even without using a VPN, it is recommended to thoroughly check your DNS configuration and ensure that it is correctly resolving the hostname. You can also try resetting your network settings or contacting your network administrator for further assistance.
